Devon trust first to deploy hybrid van

The Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust has become the first NHS foundation trust in the UK to deploy a cost-cutting environmentally-friently hybrid van.

The 3.5-tonne Ashwoods Hybrid Transit, used for hospital courier transport, is claimed to be 25% more efficient than a regular diesel equivalent, and is said to deliver a return on investment after 20,000 miles.

The hybrid system is entirely self-powered, storing energy every time the vehicle slows down and then transferring it to the wheels via an electric motor.

The trust's van has also been fitted with Ashwoods' Lightfoot driver behaviour system, which advises drivers on the most fuel-efficient way to drive.

"We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our fleet where possible, in support of the NHS's Carbon Reduction Strategy ," said David Searle, fleet manager for the RD&E.

"We are proud to be the first NHS trust to deploy this innovative hybrid van, which not only cuts carbon, but also saves us money on fuel.”